EXHIBIT 5


                                January 25, 2000

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020

         Re:      The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.,
                  Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am General Counsel of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), in connection with the preparation and
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of the above-captioned
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement"), relating to
the registration of 1,211,563 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $.10 par
value (the "Shares").

     In arriving at the opinions expressed below, I have examined and relied on
the originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction of
all such corporate records of the Corporation and such other instruments and
other certificates or public officials, officers and representatives of the
Corporation and such other persons, and I have made such investigation of law,
as I have deemed appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed below. In
rendering the opinions expressed below, I have assumed and have not verified
that the signatures on all documents that I have examined are genuine.

     Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:

     1. The Corporation is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware.

     2. The Shares have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
of the Corporation, and are legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     Insofar as the foregoing opinions relate to the validity, binding effect or
enforceability of any agreement or obligation of the Company, (a) I have assumed
that each other party to such agreement or obligation has satisfied those legal
requirements that are applicable and it to the extent necessary to make such
agreement or obligation enforceable against it, and (b) such opinions are
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and to general principals of equity.

     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to my name in the Registration
Statement and the related Prospectus under the caption "Legal Matters." By
giving such consent, I do not admit that I am an "expert" within the meaning of
the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission issued thereunder with
respect to any part of the Registration Statement, including this exhibit.

                               Very truly yours,

                               /s/ Nicholas J. Camera
                               ----------------------
                               Nicholas J. Camera
                               Vice President, General Counsel and
                               Secretary